Chandigarh: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has recovered more than 50 original passports as part of an ongoing investigation, with verification still underway. The action, carried out by the ED’s Jalandhar zonal office, is being seen as a major breakthrough against networks allegedly sending people abroad illegally through the so-called ‘dunki route’.
The ED said the searches were conducted under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, which deals with financial transactions linked to illegal immigration and money laundering.
Cash and bullion worth crores seized
During the search operations, officials recovered cash amounting to Rs 4.68 crore. The agency also seized gold bars weighing 5.9 kg worth around Rs 8.07 crore, gold coins weighing 20 grams valued at Rs 2.7 lakh and silver bars weighing about 313 kg worth approximately Rs 6.42 crore.
Officials said the seized assets could be linked to proceeds generated by agents and networks involved in illegal immigration.
The ED Jalandhar said it carried out the action on December 18 and 19 in connection with the ‘dunki route’ case under PMLA, 2002. Searches were conducted at 13 locations across Punjab, Haryana and New Delhi, leading to the seizure of large amounts of cash, gold and silver, along with several digital devices and incriminating documents.
